Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - The African Union (AU) has condemned the assassination attempt on Guinean President Alpha Conde, saying it rejected political assassinations aimed at scuttling democratization efforts in Guinea. President of the African Union Commission (AU), Jean Ping, said he learnt “with deep concern” about the rocket attack against the private residence of Condé, perpetrated by armed elements on the night of 18 to 19 July, 2011.

“The President of the Commission strongly condemns this act, which occurs less than seven months after the advent of President Conde’s term as head of the State of Guinea, following a vote that established the return to constitutional order,” the AU chief noted.

Conde, named the ‘last challenger’ by African leaders, won the country’s presidential run-off in 2010 to return the country to constitutional order after a 2008 military coup that followed the death of long-serving President Lansana Conte.

Ping reminded the attackers of the principled position of the AU on the rejection of political assassinations.

He noted with regret that the attack occurred as the Guinean authorities were preparing to organize parliamentary elections at the end of this year, which are expected to put an end to the transition initiated by the joint agreement of Ouagadougou 15 January, 2010.

Coup leader Dadis Camara agreed to hand over power to a civilian government after negotiations led to the signing of the Ouagadougou agreement, which set up a transitional government to organize democratic elections, won by Prof. Conde, the first such democratic polls in 50 years.

Ping called on the government of Guinea, political parties and civil society organizations to engage without delay, in reasonable policy dialogue to create the political climate conducive to the preparation, and organization of parliamentary elections which will be fair and transparent.

He reiterated the commitment of the AU to accompany Guineans in the process of consolidation and deepening of democracy and its willingness to continue to support efforts to promote peace and national reconciliation Guinea.

Pana 20/07/2011